01/02/2026
🏵️In Buddhism, evil is not seen as a fixed force, a being, or a permanent trait in someone. Instead, it is understood in terms of unwholesome actions and mental states that lead to suffering—for oneself and for others.
1. Evil as Unwholesome Roots (Akusala)
The Buddha taught that what we call “evil” arises from three unwholesome roots:
▪️Greed (lobha) – craving, attachment, selfish desire
▪️Hatred (dosa) – anger, ill will, cruelty
▪️Delusion (moha) – ignorance of reality, especially impermanence and non-self
When actions are motivated by these roots, they are considered unwholesome (akusala).
2. Evil Is Action, Not Identity
Buddhism does not say a person is evil.
Rather, a person performs unwholesome actions due to ignorance and conditions.
“By oneself is evil done; by oneself is one purified.”
— Dhammapada
This means evil is something done, not something you are.
3. Evil and Karma
Unwholesome actions create bad karma, leading to suffering now or in the future.
🍂Examples include:
▪️Killing
▪️Stealing
▪️Sexual misconduct
▪️Lying
▪️Intoxicants that cloud the mind
These are called the Five Precepts, and breaking them is considered morally unwholesome.
4. Evil as Ignorance, Not Sin
Unlike religions based on sin or divine judgment, Buddhism teaches that:
▪️Evil comes from ignorance, not original sin
▪️There is no eternal punishment
▪️Every being has the potential for awakening
Even those who commit terrible acts can transform through wisdom and compassion.
5. The Opposite of Evil
The opposite of evil in Buddhism is wholesome action (kusala),
rooted in:
▪️Non-greed (generosity)
▪️Non-hatred (loving-kindness)
▪️Non-delusion (wisdom)
🌼In Simple Terms:
Evil in Buddhism is anything that increases suffering and bo***ge to ignorance.
Good is whatever leads to clarity, compassion, and liberation.